SERIE A MATCH REPORT

Marko Livaja scored with the aid of a goalkeeping error deep into stoppages for Atalanta to beat Bologna.

This was a relegation dogfight, as though the Orobici had a strong run of form, they had just one point from their last three games. The Rossoblu, on the other hand, recovered from a disastrous start with seven points from three rounds in which they kept clean sheets. German Denis and Carlos Carmona were both suspended for the hosts, with GianpaoloBellini, Luigi Giorgi, Giacomo Bonaventura, Stefano Lucchini and Mario Yepes adding to the absentee list. Bologna had Michele Pazienza and Diego Perez suspended, plus CesareNatali, Andrea Mantovani, Henry Gimenez and MarekCech injured.

Bologna’s last Serie A victory at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia was in 2008-09. Maxi Moralez drilled just over and Marko Livaja failed to keep his header on target, then Giulio Migliaccio blasted over from the edge of the box.

Guido Marilungo pounced on a terrible Sorensen backpass, but under pressure from the goalkeeper prodded wide of the net.

Atalanta eventually took the lead with a sudden Davide Brivio snapshot that surprised both defenders and the goalkeeper, flying across Gianluca Curci into the far bottom corner.

Rolando Bianchi had just come off the bench when he got the equaliser, nodding in the rebound after Cristaldo’s header came off the bar. It was a particularly special goal for him, as Bianchi is from Bergamo and grew up at this club.

Deep into stoppages, Atalanta restored their advantage with a bizarre goal. Livaja cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful shot that took Curci by surprise, as it ricocheted in off his gloves.